NPA rebel surrenders to troops in Aurora

From the Manila Times (Jan 20, 2022): NPA rebel surrenders to troops in Aurora (By Leander C. Domingo)

A MEMBER of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) on Tuesday evening, saying that he is "weary and tired" of fighting to overthrow the government.

The rebel, identified as Berboy Calara Aviendo with aliases JR, Oscar and Joey, surrendered with his firearm at Barangay Calaocan, Dipaculao, Aurora. He said he has grown tired and weary of supporting the arms struggle of the communist movement.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commanding officer of the 91IB, said Aviendo surrendered an M14 rifle, a magazine for M14 and nine rounds of ammunition for M14.

Rubio said joint security operations of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Kaugnay, JTF Tala and the Baler Municipal Police Station led to the surrender of Aviendo.

He said Aviendo was a member of the already dismantled communist guerrilla front called Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-Sierra Madre.


READ: Rebel killed, soldier injured in clashes

Col. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, said the surrendered firearm, magazine, and ammunition are now at the 91IB Headquarters in Baler, Aurora for proper disposition and documentation.

Meanwhile, JTF Kaugnay commander and Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) acting commander Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo commended the willingness of Aviendo to start anew and help the military further weaken the arms capability of the communist terrorists by surrendering his firearm.

"There is one less firearm to be used by the remnants of these communist terrorist groups. This manifests the complete abhorrence of Aviendo to the culture of violence that the group has sown into his mind and of his former comrades," Costelo said.

He said the Nolcom has its doors open for the comrades of Aviendo who wish to return to the folds of the law.

READ: Troops overrun NPA camp in Kalinga

"With our troops' successive accomplishments, we will further heighten our offensives to pound down the remnants of communist insurgency in the north and Central Luzon," Costelo said.

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